If you’re looking for a ridiculously easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that never fails to wow, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the recipe you need in your life. Imagine a golden, chewy bar loaded with toasted pecans and just the right kick of brown sugar—every bite delivers a little slice of Southern warmth, plus a fragrant hint of vanilla that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a dream. Whether you serve it at a family potluck, holiday gathering, or just want a sweet treat to go with your afternoon coffee, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is an old-fashioned favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the short and sweet ingredient list—all nine of these staples play a starring role in making Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread so memorable. Each one brings its own unique flavor or texture for a dessert that’s more than the sum of its parts.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): This creates that essential chewy, caramelized flavor and gorgeous golden color in every bite.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the brown sugar for a sweet, slightly crisp crust.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup): The heart of the dish—be generous! Toast them first if you love extra flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Holds everything together and provides a soft yet sturdy structure.
- Large Eggs (2): The secret to that dense, almost blondie-like texture that makes this bread irresistible.
- Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist and tender without weighing it down.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift, so your bread isn’t overly dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch to amplify all the other flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Offers warmth and depth, tying everything together beautifully.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper. A well-prepared pan will make it easy to lift out your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread once it’s cooled—no sticking, no stress!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, chopped pecans, and all-purpose flour. Take a moment here to inhale that nutty scent—this simple step is where those pecans start to shine!
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until everything’s smooth and well combined. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks glossy and unified—this mix is the binder for your soon-to-be favorite dessert.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon—no need for an electric mixer. The batter will be thick and full of pecan bits, perfect for holding together those gooey, caramel-like pockets once baked.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick poked into the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread cool in the pan until it’s just warm to the touch—cutting too soon will make it too soft to slice. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares. These bars are wonderful slightly warm, when they’re extra chewy!
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Garnishes
Dress up each square with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel, or go all out with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For special occasions, sprinkle on extra toasted pecan pieces for a nutty crunch that hints at what’s inside.
Side Dishes
With its sweet and nutty profile, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread pairs beautifully with simple sides—a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into an indulgent dessert, while a mug of strong coffee or chai balances the sweetness for a cozy afternoon snack. Fresh berries also make a bright, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these bars into a showstopper by stacking them on a tiered dessert tray or serving them warm in mini skillets. You can even cut them into bite-sized cubes for a dessert platter at parties. Feeling fancy? Top each serving with a small scoop of cinnamon ice cream and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to three days. Store the squares in an airtight container lined with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and keep them moist.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, pop them into a resealable freezer bag, and freeze for up to two months. When craving calls, let one thaw at room temperature or pop it into the microwave for a quick treat!
Reheating
To serve leftovers warm, microwave a square for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Reheating brings back that just-baked chewiness and makes the pecans even more aromatic.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts or another nut instead of pecans?
You can, but using pecans is traditional for that authentic flavor! Walnuts or even hazelnuts work in a pinch, but Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread truly shines thanks to the mild, buttery bite of pecans.
My bread turned out a bit dry. What did I do wrong?
Dryness often comes from overbaking, so check your oven a few minutes early with the toothpick test. Also, make sure to measure your flour carefully (scoop and level, don’t pack!) and use large eggs as indicated.
Is it possible to double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double every ingredient and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to extend the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, but check with a toothpick around the 35-minute mark just in case.
Can I make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for your go-to gluten-free flour blend (make sure it includes xanthan gum if needed). The result will still be chewy and nutty, though the texture might be slightly different.
Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
No refrigeration required—keep Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread at room temperature, tightly covered. If your kitchen is very warm, you can pop them in the fridge for a few days, but always bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the kind of nostalgic, crowd-loving treat that never goes out of style. If you’ve never baked it before, I truly hope you’ll give it a try—your kitchen (and your friends!) will thank you. Let every square transport you straight to the cozy comfort of a Southern kitchen. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of the South with this delightful Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread recipe. A perfect blend of pecans and sugar baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, pecans, and flour.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine & Bake: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients, mix well, spread in dish, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool & Serve: Once golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, cool before slicing and enjoy!
Notes
- This bread is best enjoyed warm, with toasted pecans for added flavor.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
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